Sukma: Sarawak battles to 1-1 draw against Federal Territories in Group D football clash

SIBU (Aug 15): Sarawak laboured to a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Federal Territories in their Group D football match of the 21st Malaysia Games (Sukma) held at Mukah Stadium yesterday.

Sarawak Sukma football officer Ajis Ghazali said the team played under intense pressure in the first half and failed to capitalise on their chances before Federal Territories’ Muhammad Shahrul Aikal scored the opening goal in the 23rd minute.

After the halftime, he said Sarawak players returned with full urgency, knowing that a defeat would mean they would be out of the Games.

“The boys began to play according to script, and urged on by the coach, they created more scoring chances and also played the game with flair.”

In the 59th minute, Mohammad Faris hit the equaliser, bringing cheers to the team.

“Sarawak boys went on the attacking mode after the equaliser but it was unfortunate all their chances could not be transformed into goals,” he said.

Meanwhile, Perak beat Pahang 1-0 in the other Group D match of the day.

Perak had earlier pipped Sarawak 1-0 to top the table standings for Group D with six points.

Federal Territories, having beaten Pahang 1-0 and drawn with Sarawak, is second with four points, while Sarawak secured one point.

Ajis expressed confidence that Sarawak boys could rise up to the occasion and beat Pahang on Aug 16 in their final group match.

“The Sarawak team still stands a chance to qualify for the quarter-final. However, we have to depend on the result between Perak and Federal Territories. Just hope for the best.”

Elsewhere, Negri Sembilan beat Kelantan 2-1, Sabah edged Johor 2-1, while Melaka and Kedah fought to a 1-1 draw in their respective matches.

Meanwhile, on Aug 16, Kelantan will take on Selangor at Stadium Azam Hashim, Sabah will tackle Terengganu at Stadium Tun Zaidi, Kedah will face off Penang at Stadium Bintulu and Perak will meet Federal Territories at Stadium Mukah in their final group matches.

All matches will be played at 4pm.